"We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith," the family said in a statement.

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"We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision," read a statement posted on the Duck Commander website.

Updated at 6:59 AM EDT on Friday, Dec 20, 2013

Is this the end of Duck Dynasty?

While the fifth season, much or all of which has presumably been shot, is set to premiere Jan. 15 on A&E, the entire Robertson family has come together in support of patriarch Phil Robertson, who was suspended by the network in light of anti-gay comments he made in a recent interview with GQ.

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"We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word," the family continued. "While some of Phil's unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

"Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family."